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Jealousy in French Literature (conducted in FRENCH)
This course will examine the theme of jealousy in French literature from the medieval period through the twentieth century. By placing literary texts in dialogue with critical theory, we will analyze jealousy as a sociopolitical, ontological, and psychosexual phenomenon as well as a particularly rich thematic terrain from authors from Marie de France to Marcel Proust.
Is jealousy a perversion of love? Can we define jealousy as the desire for exclusive possession of another? What causes jealousy? Is jealousy particular to the human? How does the inscription of jealousy in French literature evolve over time?
In order to understand the multiple faces and phases of jealousy, we will examine texts from a variety of genres (the lai, the novella, tragedy, novel). We will also study "rival" authors to understand the generative power of jealousy, including cases in which directors have adapted literary works for the screen. Students will have the opportunity to refine their skills as careful readers of literature, to develop the ability to generate arguments from textual evidence, and to analyze critically and comparatively works from a variety of historical periods.

When conducted in English, numbered V45.0868. Offered every semester. 4 points. Courses on subjects of special interest by either a regular or visiting faculty member. For specific courses, please consult the class schedule. Recent topics include French 17th-century masterpieces and the theatre of the absurd.